We had many exciting adventures and fun experiences along the way from Tucson to Jersey. Despite many late nights, long days of driving, leaving friends before the kids felt done playing, and occasionally grumpy parents, they did great!
Much to their dismay, they didn't have a DVD player in the back to watch movies, but I don't know how they could have enjoyed a movie considering the numerous stops we had to make for potty breaks, to switch drivers, for lunch or gas, or even to throw up! Ohhh the stories we have to tell!
(Our most exciting stop was when we were hardly one hour into the trip when we saw a bag flying out of the back of our trailer onto Interstate 10 on our way to Phoenix.)
All along the way, Papa and Mama embarrassed our older children by wearing our huge wrap around sunglasses—a gift from our dear neighbor friend, Sandy.
(A picture of Phil in these near-goggle-like shades is available for a small fee. For a picture of Polly, a much higher fee is required!)
Behind the fun, however, were serious questions: "What have we gotten ourselves into?" At one point about three-fourths of the way to our destination, exhausted, we contemplated just stopping our travels right there.
"I don't think I can go any further!" I said.
In my late night delirium, the realization of being "homeless," looking for a house, preparing the kids for school, et cetera, made it seem like the end of our travels would only mean the beginning of our travails!
Potty breaks and throw up seemed a piece of cake compared to the work ahead!
Friday, July 3, 2009
Jumping in by Faith
Ever attempt jump into a cold pool? Ever stare at a bite of the mystery casserole at a potluck? Ever put a pen to a blank piece of paper?
In all of these situations, people have apprehension of the unknown...what will happen? Will it be worth it? Will it be good?
That is how we felt as we drove away from our home in Tucson for the last time. About a dozen friends from our neighborhood dragged themselves out of bed early in the morning to see us off.
Still dressed in their pj's, they joined us in our now empty house and treated us to juice and donuts, sang and prayed with us, and shed tears as we embarked upon our new adventure. Noah, our seven-year old, said while driving out of the neighborhood: "Mama, is this a drill or is this for real?"
The travels across the country were filled with more blessing than we can name. Friends and family sent us on with numerous encouraging words and prayers. Each stop had its own surprises. Some even said they envied our courage and said they wished they were going, too! Now that's not something I thought I would hear!
One dear young lady, a twelve-year old, even sent us a ten dollar bill; she said, “This is to help with your work.”
This might just be our favorite gift of all the support we have raised.
Sharing the plan for the new church in Gloucester County as we traveled, hearing the excitement the vision generated among our friends, and talking about our new chapter of ministry with the children all served to pump us up even more.
Could we have planned such faith-building trek? We believe God has great things in store for our family and this new ministry.
In all of these situations, people have apprehension of the unknown...what will happen? Will it be worth it? Will it be good?
That is how we felt as we drove away from our home in Tucson for the last time. About a dozen friends from our neighborhood dragged themselves out of bed early in the morning to see us off.
Still dressed in their pj's, they joined us in our now empty house and treated us to juice and donuts, sang and prayed with us, and shed tears as we embarked upon our new adventure. Noah, our seven-year old, said while driving out of the neighborhood: "Mama, is this a drill or is this for real?"
The travels across the country were filled with more blessing than we can name. Friends and family sent us on with numerous encouraging words and prayers. Each stop had its own surprises. Some even said they envied our courage and said they wished they were going, too! Now that's not something I thought I would hear!
One dear young lady, a twelve-year old, even sent us a ten dollar bill; she said, “This is to help with your work.”
This might just be our favorite gift of all the support we have raised.
Sharing the plan for the new church in Gloucester County as we traveled, hearing the excitement the vision generated among our friends, and talking about our new chapter of ministry with the children all served to pump us up even more.
Could we have planned such faith-building trek? We believe God has great things in store for our family and this new ministry.
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